Now that we’ve covered Fitwel’s strategies to leverage buildings and optimize density for people, we’re on to our third and final strategy to support the fight against Covid-19.
1. LEVERAGING BUILDINGS | 2. DENSITY FOR PEOPLE | 3. GETTING CERTIFIED
Fitwel is a building certification that supports healthier workplace and environments. It addresses health as an interconnected system and its newest module, the Viral Response module, provides annual, third-party certifications of practices related to mitigating contagious diseases – a pivotal introduction!
The Viral Response module was developed in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new entry point into Fitwel certification, the module can be used across many industries, commercial and residential portfolios, and is helping companies build trust with tenants, residents, and employees.
While other Fitwel Building Certifications are compatible with the Viral module, Fitwel certification is not required to be Viral Response certified. This à la carte program makes it simple for owners and employers to choose what fits their building type, plan, and budget. An overview of how to use the Viral Response module and pricing can be found on their website.
Here are the top four things you need to know about Fitwel's Viral Response module certification.
Getting Certified: Fitwel's Viral Response Module
1. The Criteria: The Fitwel Viral Response Module covers three key topic areas for mitigating infectious disease transmission. Each section includes the minimum requirements that must be achieved in order to submit for certification, and dependent action plans (examples in italics below) that can be applied to support those requirements.
Enhance Indoor Environments: This section focuses on mechanical systems and policies that impact viral transmission within the indoor environment. An Enhanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) policy identifies areas for improvement in air quality and provides benchmarks to ensure it remains high. Example action plans:
- Establish a Humidity Control Policy
- Establish an Enhanced Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Maintenance Protocol
- Establish an Enhanced Green Purchasing Policy
Encourage Behavioral Change: Policies that support behavioral changes can lessen the transmission of the virus. A Specialized Health Programming and Services Plan provides consistent access to preventative healthcare services, stress support, programs targeting increased physical activity and nutrition, all preventing disease morbidity.
- Establish Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines
- Provide Select Educational Health Promotion Signage
Build Occupant Trust: This section emphasizes policies and procedures to maximize trust in the built environment.
- Establish a Contagious Disease Outbreak Preparedness Plan
- Establish a Paid Sick Leave Policy
- Establish a Family Support Policy
2. The Process: Fitwel's simple three-step certification process allows companies flexibility in establishing and implementing viral response policies. Viral Response Certification will take approximately six weeks from time of submission.
First, User responds to Fitwel’s initial review, based on the three key areas described above, to cover an existing portfolio or individual tenant spaces. Fitwel provides detailed implementation guidance and policy templates if owners need a place to start. Turnkey templates allow companies to quickly adopt policies that meet Fitwel's best practice standards.
Second, user responds to Fitwel’s initial review. Viral Response Approval starts once the Step 1 is accepted. Companies then document and demonstrate those policies across their portfolio or independent buildings.
And finally, Fitwel completes a final review and certification.
Although it is not required, Owners who choose to move forward with an additional Fitwel certification, will see that their Viral Response documentation seamlessly aligns and pre-populates their scorecard. This creates a streamlined and efficient process for Owners that want to achieve dual certifications.
3. Viral Response Certification: The Center for Active Design (CfAD), the licensed operator of Fitwel, conducts a six-week, double-blind review process. During the review, they analyze and confirm that the strategies that have been put into practice align to their standard.
Depending on their final module score, entities may be eligible for Viral Response Certification, or Viral Response Certification with Distinction.
Once certified, the CfAD recognizes this achievement with a vinyl decal. Companies can prominently display the award to signal to occupants and visitors that their spaces are optimized for viral mitigation. All strategies in the Viral Response Module are weighted based upon strength of evidence as well as health impacts.
4. Benefits of a Viral Response Module Certification: Fitwel is quickly becoming a leader in healthier building construction, especially since many Owners prioritize buildings that have a positive impact on health. Other benefits can include:
- Cost-effective alternative to similar rating systems like WELL.
- Provides a benchmark that you can use to measure and demonstrate care for your occupants/employees.
- Improves tenant health, wellness, and productivity.
- Increases the value of your portfolio.
- Increases employer and employee attraction and retention.
- Strategies are continuously evolving with the latest CDC research.
- Ensures that your company is leading the next frontier of sustainability.
Learn more about Choate’s expertise in Fitwel, LEED, WELL, Green Globes, and Energy Star. Contact Sara O’Mara, Director of Environmental Services. Sara is a Fitwel Ambassador and can help navigate digital certification, facilitate education meetings, help establish specific goals, and prepare documentation.
Read Part I of our Fitwel series, Leveraging Buildings in the Fight Against COVID-19.
Read Part II of our Fitwel series, Density for People.